During the month of April, location organizations will lead activities as part of the national "Child Abuse Prevention Month" effort. On April 1, 2016, officials will gather at 8:30 a.m. in front of the Oregon State Capitol with Portland General Electric (PGE) to begin hanging blue ribbons on the large tree near the capitol steps. The ribbons will symbolize the 10,010 confirmed victims of child abuse in the state in 2014; the most recent year data is available. There were 813 cases in Marion County and 157 in Polk County for the same year. Participating agencies include the Marion County Sheriff's Office and Community Services Department, City of Salem, Family Building Blocks, Liberty House, Salem-Keizer School District 24-J, Oregon Department of Human Services, and the Hands and Words are not for Hurting Project.
In partnership with child-serving organizations, PGE has hung the blue ribbons on the tree for several years during the month of April in an effort to increase public awareness of the problem. In addition, the City of Salem will light the pedestrian bridge at the north end of Riverfront Park in blue. The Marion County Board of Commissioners intends to take action on a proclamation declaring April as "Child Abuse Prevention Month" and encourages other public bodies to do the same.
This year, project organizers are emphasizing early prevention and solutions. "Community partners want the public to know how important it is to help prevent abuse from happening in the first place. We hope that each member of the community will do their part in prevention," said Tamra Goettsch, Marion County's Community Services Director. "Caring adults in the community can make a tremendous difference in the lives of children," she continued.
This year's efforts include an "I will" commitment to prevent child abuse that everyone can make. Tips sheets for parents, faith congregations, community members, and youth-serving organizations may be found at www.parentforthefuture.com. Information includes instructions for reporting child abuse or suspected abuse.
In Marion County, child abuse rates have declined since reaching 20.6 per thousand in 2006; the rate dropped to 11.7 per thousand in 2014. "We are glad to see the reduction in confirmed cases," commented Goettsch, "However, even one case is one case too many."
The public is invited to attend the event on Friday, April 1, 2016, beginning at 8:30 a.m. in front of the Oregon State Capitol at 900 Court Street NE in Salem. Project organizers will be on hand to distribute information. Visit www.parentforthefuture.com for tips on how to support parents, create a caring community, and help prevent child abuse.
